US orders non-essential staff to leave Karachi, Lahore consulates days after violent protests

In a statement issued on March 3, 2026, the US Embassy in Pakistan said the decision was taken due to “safety risks.”

“The Department of State has ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks,” the statement said.

The embassy clarified that there was no change to the operational status of the US Embassy in Islamabad.

Warning of a potential spike in terrorism, the statement noted that there remains a risk of terrorist violence in Pakistan.

“Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically occur in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but have also taken place in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad,” it said, adding that terrorists may strike without warning.

According to the embassy, potential targets include transportation hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist locations and government buildings.

Limited consular access

The US government also highlighted restrictions imposed by Pakistani authorities on the movement of American personnel.

US government employees in Pakistan are required to use armed escorts and armoured vehicles in certain areas for both official and personal travel. Travel outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi requires special authorization from the host government, and additional movement restrictions may be imposed at short notice depending on local security conditions.

The embassy said it has limited ability to assist US citizens in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir and most areas outside the three major cities. Personnel are generally prohibited from attending large gatherings such as political rallies or religious events.

Protests and unrest

The advisory follows violent unrest in Karachi after reports of Khamenei’s death.

Thousands gathered in Karachi’s Numaish area to offer funeral prayers for seven people who were killed during protests near the US Consulate. According to Dawn News, mourners carrying red flags chanted slogans demanding justice, while religious leaders urged calm but vowed to pursue accountability through peaceful means.

Protesters reportedly called for the registration of an FIR against the US Consul General and demanded the removal of Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar over what they described as “brutal firing” during the unrest.

Reports said hundreds of pro-Iran demonstrators attempted to storm the consulate early Sunday, hours after news of Khamenei’s death emerged. Security forces allegedly opened fire to disperse the crowd, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The tensions come amid heightened regional instability, even as US President Donald Trump has publicly praised Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.